|
1. |
People with mental handicap have the same human rights as all other people. They have too long been denied these rights. |
|
2. |
People with mental handicap remain particularly vulnerable to discrimination. Discrimination on account of disability is compounded by all
the other kinds of discrimination in relation to gender, class, race, culture, language, religion, age and sexuality. |
|
3. |
The time has come for people with mental handicap and their families to be guaranteed their rights and to be given due respect and equal status in all the societies. |
|
4. |
Families are the main source of support and learning. They in turn need community support. Much more to be done to improve public understanding of the needs and strengths of people with mental handicap and their families. Schools, the media and institutions responsible for the training of professional staff have a key role to play in disseminating the knowledge we already have. |
|
5. |
Local and national governments have a crucial role in planning, mobilizing and resourcing appropriate service to support the individual family and community members with a disability. |
|
6. |
Support must begin when the disability is first identified and must be life long. People with mental handicap and their families need access to all the ordinary services available to other citizens. These include primary health care, education, social and welfare services, housing, work opportunities, recreation and the opportunity to form relationships including sexual relationships. |
|
7. |
Only when people with mental handicap and their families are given all appropriate supports will society be able to benefit from the positive contribution, which they can make through full participation in the life of community. |
|
8. |
Organizations of families, challenged people themselves, their families and professionals must work in close partnership with local, national and international bodies. The individual person with mental handicap and his or her family must be at the center of all policy and decision making that affects their lives. |
|
9. |
The United Nations has now given a lead to the world by publishing the 22 Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities of Persons with disabilities. |
|
10. |
We have a moral obligation to act now, to be practical, to work in our local communities to create an inclusive community worldwide. |
